Tulum Airport Guide: Welcome to the Mexican Caribbean’s Newest International Airport

Post by Kelly McLaughlin September 10, 2024.

Caribbean’s Newest International Airport Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, also known as Tulum International Airport (TQO), officially commenced operations on December 1, 2023. Located 40 km (25 miles) south of Tulum, this airport features a single terminal with 13 gates and can handle 5.5 million visitors annually.

A Convenient Way to Discover the Mexican Caribbean: The New Tulum Airport

Tulum, Mexico is a prime vacation destination for beach enthusiasts and celebrities looking to get away from it all. Its breathtaking natural beauty, ancient history, and rich culture make Tulum an enchanting vacation spot in the southern Mexican Caribbean. The area is dotted with exclusive boutique hotels and accommodations set along the beach and tucked into the jungle. An idyllic tropical vacation awaits.

Until the opening of the Tulum Airport in 2023, travelers had to fly into Cancun International Airport and drive 120 km (75 miles) south along the 307 highway to reach Tulum. This journey takes around two hours, depending on the hotel or resort's location. While getting to Tulum from the Cancun Airport is still a good option, the new Tulum Airport offers a quicker, closer alternative with shorter wait times for luggage, customs, and immigration.

Tulum Airport Facilities: Eat, shop, and relax in the lounge

Airport Lounges: The Tulum Airport lounge provides lounge areas where passengers can relax and unwind before their flights.
FREE Wi-Fi: Keeping connected is easy with the airport’s Wi-Fi services available throughout the terminal.
Diverse Dining Options: The airport offers a range of dining choices, from quick snacks like tacos to more substantial meals, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Shops Offering Local Crafts: For those looking to take home a piece of Tulum, the airport features shops where you can buy local crafts and other souvenirs.

Airlines That Operate To and From Tulum Airport

These are the airlines currently operating at the Tulum Airport:
Aeromexico
Air Canada
American Airlines
Copa Airlines
Delta
Discover Airlines
JetBlue
United Airlines
VivaAerobus
WestJet

Can I fly to the Tulum Airport? Which cities offer flights to Tulum?

These are the current airports that let you fly into the new Tulum Airport:
Atlanta Airport
Charlotte Airport
Chicago O’Hare Airport
Dallas Fort-Worth Airport
Felipe Angeles Airport
Guadalajara Airport
Houston Airport
Los Angeles Airport
Miami Airport
Monterrey Airport
Montreal Airport
Newark Liberty Airport
New York City Airport
Panama City Airport
Tijuana Airport
Toronto Airport

Choosing Between Cancun Airport and Tulum Airport

It’s all about the location! Tulum Airport is a good choice for travelers heading to destinations south of Playa del Carmen. For those traveling to areas north of Playa del Carmen, such as Puerto Morelos or Isla Mujeres, Cancun International Airport is still the more convenient option.

Travel Distances from Tulum Airport to Popular Riviera Maya Destinations

• Tulum Pueblo: 42 km (26 miles), approximately 45 minutes
• Tulum Hotel Zone: 47 km (29 miles), approximately 1 hour
• Akumal: 68 km (42 miles), approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Puerto Aventuras: 82 km (50 miles), approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
• Playa del Carmen: 104 km (65 miles), approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
• Puerto Morelos: 137 km (85 miles), approximately 2 hours

Transportation Options from Tulum Airport to Your Resort

Visitors can get to their resorts from Tulum Airport via the ADO bus, car rentals, or private transfers. The most convenient and stress-free option is to book privateTulum Airport transportation, ensuring a direct and comfortable journey to your accommodation.

** Please note that rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber are not available at Tulum Airport, and taxis cannot be hailed directly.

Private Transportation Rates from Tulum Airport in the Riviera Maya

Happy Shuttle Cancun: Tulum Airport Shuttle Rates:

• Tulum Pueblo:
• One-way: $156 USD
• Round-trip: $308 USD

• Tulum:
• One-way: $219 USD
• Round-trip: $433 USD

• Akumal:
• One-way:$172 USD
• Round-trip: $339 USD

• Puerto Aventuras:
• One-way: $196 USD
• Round-trip: $386 USD

• Playa del Carmen:
• One-way: $242 USD
• Round-trip: $480 USD

• Puerto Morelos:
• One-way: $274 USD
• Round-trip:$543 USD

Happy Shuttle Cancun is a family-run business with 20 years of experience getting you around in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Happy Shuttle Cancun’s transportation services from the Tulum Airport are a great addition to our catalog of products. Our certified, licensed, and insured bilingual drivers are dedicated to providing exceptional service with warm Mexican hospitality.

For a smooth arrival and Happy way to start your vacation, book your private Tulum Airport transportation with Happy Shuttle Cancun. Enjoy guaranteed, direct transfers to your resort with no hidden fees or extra stops. Book now for a stress-free start to your Mexican Caribbean vacation!